Epsilon Archive for Student Projects

Abstract

In this thesis, the effects of different tree species and tree size on tree related micro-habitats (TreMs) in a broadleaf forest at Krubbemölla in Skåne, southern Sweden, have been studied. The hypothesis was that there are different amounts and types of TreMs on different tree species and that there are more TreMs on larger (older) tree individuals. The results show that there is a large difference between tree species and what kind, variation and amount of TreMs that occur on different species. Salix caprea had the highest amount of TreM variation, epiphytic structures and fruiting bodies. Quercus robur had the largest amount of crown deadwood and the largest amount of TreMs per individual tree together with S. caprea. Fagus sylvatica and S. caprea had the greatest number of cavities and tree injuries. Prunus avium had the greatest number of exudates, but excrescences did not seem to differ between species. Fruiting bodies and excrescences did not have many observations in the study area and thus these data may not be reliable. The difference between large and small trees was noticeable for the most part when observing all of the species together, except for fruiting bodies and exudates. For the total amount of TreMs there was a clear difference between the large and small trees for all species. Other aspects that determine which and how many TreMs there will be in a specific area are discussed. S. caprea and Q. robur should be kept and promoted in the area to increase biodiversity, but other species should also be maintained as they provide other types of TreMs.